Coronavirus forces postponement of Cannes film festival

The Cannes Film Festival will be postponed for two months because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers say.

A scooter drives by the Palais des Festivals at the 71st international film festival, Cannes, southern France, on May 7, 2018. Source: AAP

The 2021 edition of the Cannes Film Festival will be postponed until July because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers say.

Last year's event was cancelled and replaced by a low-key event in October showcasing short films but without the A-list movie stars, directors and producers.

The festival will take place from July 6-17, the organisers said in a statement, two months later than planned.

Hollywood stars normally flock to the Mediterranean town's "Croisette" promenade for the two-week extravaganza, the world's biggest cinema showcase and a major market for the industry.

The palm-fringed town has been a subdued version of its normally glamorous self since the coronavirus outbreak.

Many of its swankiest hotels are closed, as are its restaurants and bars.